S&W Model 10-8 opinions needed

A gunshop in my area has an unused, NIB Model 10-8 for sale, 3" heavy barrel. The shops original owner held back a number of Smith revolvers from years ago and never used them. He's now putting quite a few of them up for sale.

The serial number on this particular piece dates it for 1982 manufacture and the asking price is $700.

I wonder if anyone has opinions on the 10-8 in general and the price being asked for this '82 revolver.

I paid that kind of cash each for a model 17 and a model 25-5 a year or two ago, but both of those are target-grade guns. There's not that much special about model 10s. Literally millions have been made since they were introduced @ 1900 as the original Military & Police.

What a NIB 1982 model goes for, I don't really know. Personally I wouldn't even consider it for more than $500. I bought a cop trade in for $190 - obviously used and holster-worn, 1997 10-10 model.

Q

Trebor

September 9, 2011, 07:54 PM

I agree that $700 sounds WAAAY high.

Granted, the 3" Model 10 is a desirable variant, and NIB adds to value, but $700? I don't think so.

sidheshooter

September 9, 2011, 08:00 PM

Too much, IMHO. And this is coming from a guy who occasionally overpays for a good K-frame that he likes.

3" 10's in minty condition are not all that common now (I particularly like the round butt version), but even though I'm currently in the market for that *exact* gun, I couldn't see myself going more than 5 even if there were no drag marks on the cylinder and I could comb what's left of my hair in the blueing.

Just one opinion, though.

If you can talk him down to $459 or so (in my neck of the woods, in today's dollars), then we might have a deal... ;)

Old Fuff

September 9, 2011, 08:02 PM

It depends on what you intend to do with it.

If you plan to keep it in its original condition as a collectable the price is high, but the value will catch up. If you are looking for a user, at $700 it is way too high.

Consider that you can buy a good used 10-8 4" for in the $250 range. Yes, it's a 3" barrel but that's maybe another $100 tops on that price, and 98%+ condition is maybe another 50% on the price. So I'd call it a $525 gun myself ONLY if it includes box, tools, papers, etc. and that's cash out the door.

And for that price, you should be able to find a Model 66 or Model 19 and have a 357 Magnum with adjustable sights. I like Model 10s but $700 could buy you a Colt King Cobra.

USMC8541

September 10, 2011, 06:32 PM

500 is still too high for that gun

Big_John1961

September 10, 2011, 07:57 PM

Thanks for the replies, guys. That was my gut feeling as well.

TomADC

September 10, 2011, 08:06 PM

Seems a tad pricey but the Smith model 10 is a great fire arm, been around for a long time 100% reliable but $700 seems way high.